Walsall v Stockport preview: Saddlers face a stern test against promotion hopefuls

The Hatters made a number of eye-catching signings during the summer, including the captures of Ibou Touray, Nick Powell and Villa youngster Louie Barry (on loan).

Sadler has warned his players must prepare for the very best version of Stockport on the weekend.

“What I do know is the team that turns up on Saturday will be extremely experienced, they will be very good players for the level, and they’ll be playing for a manager who knows exactly what he wants from his team,” Sadler said.

“Whatever the context is previously, they’ll be a very good team, who we’ll have to play really well to beat.”

Sadler spent six months on loan at Stockport during the 2009-10 campaign, which ended in relegation from League One.

The club plummeted into non-league during a period of peril, but marked their return to the EFL by reaching the play-off final last term.

Stockport lost on penalties against Carlisle at Wembley, but look a much more upwardly mobile club than the one which Sadler played for.

Despite it being difficult period, Sadler was honoured to have the opportunity to work under the late Gary Ablett at Edgeley Park.

“I had the absolute pleasure of being managed by Gary Ablett during that spell. He was an absolute gentleman of a person and everyone was so sad when he passed away,” Sadler reflected.

“As tough as that time was for the football club, it had one of the best men I’ve met in football at the helm of it. An incredible bloke.

“So some good memories mixed in with some not so good ones.

“Certainly the football club now is a much better club in terms of how well its ran, the stability behind the scenes, and they will be one who will be competing this season for sure.”

Walsall will welcome back Freddie Draper after the forward missed the opening two games due to suspension.

Tom Knowles is still out with injury and will need another two weeks before he can return.

Priestley Farquharson is also a doubt after sitting out the previous two matches with a groin injury.

“Priestley has been out on the grass today [on Thursday]. Not with us but with the physios,” Sadler revealed.

“As I’ve said, he is coming towards the end of his stuff. If we don’t see him on Saturday then I think we’ll see him on Tuesday. So it’s very close for him.

“Tom is again a couple of weeks away from being fit. He’s a little bit further behind Priestley but really positive signs on both of them.”